9700 Reseda Blvd., Suite 201
Northridge, CA 91324
(818) 882-5600 Phone
(818) 882-5610 Fax
jhayes@hayesbklaw.com

Important Information for Clients

Any unauthorized use, dissemination or copying of the information contained on this page is strictly prohibited.

The following is a list of a few things that you should know about the bankruptcy process.  However, it is not all-inclusive.

  1. Information we will need to help you complete your petition:
    1. Completed Questionnaire.
    2. Tax returns for 2009 and 2010 (if completed).
    3. Pay stubs and proof of income from all sources for the previous six months
    4. Credit Reports – www.annualcreditreport.com.  Please order this yourself and send it to us. 
    5. Bank Statements, 401k/IRA/Pension statements for past six months.
    6. The name, address, account number and the amount owed to every creditor – even if you dispute the debt.  This includes but is not limited to:
      • Credit cards
      • Collection notices
      • Lawsuits filed against you including “Court Orders” with Judgments, and Homeowner Association notices
      • Judgments/liens
      • Child/spousal support
      • Taxes
      • Auto loans/leases
      • Home loans
      • Parking tickets/Moving violations
      • Medical bills
      • Student Loans
      • Furniture loans
      • Community Property debt.  If you are filing alone, we must include your spouse’s debt.
      • Information for anybody you think you may owe
      • Personal Loans
    7. Any property you have sold or transferred within the past two years.  We must know who you sold it to and what you received in return. 
    8. Any property you own which is not in your name.  This property must be included in your bankruptcy schedules.
    9.  Names and addresses of Co-debtors or Co-signors [people who are obligated for debts with you]
    10. Information for any lawsuits or possible lawsuits in which you are/will be the plaintiff
    11. A list of your current monthly expenses
    12. Current monthly income information
    13. Social security number
    14. Credit Counseling: You must complete a pre-bankruptcy counseling session with an approved credit-counseling agency.  Contact one of these approved agencies.  You cannot file any bankruptcy petition without the certificate.  Please make sure to have them email us a copy of the certificate.    
    15. SOME BANKS (WELLS FARGO) WILL CLOSE YOUR CHECKING AND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AS SOON AS YOU FILE! They will issue a cashier’s check to you in the amount of the funds held in those accounts shortly thereafter, but it’s still a hassle because of debit cards, etc.  
  2. Meeting of Creditors- Do not forget to bring: If you come to the meeting without these, the trustee will continue the meeting for about three weeks and you will have to return then.
    • Valid government issued picture identification card
    • Social Security Card or other proof of Social Security Number: Letter from Social Security Administration or Original W-2 or Original Pay Stub with complete social security number
    • Before the Trustee swears you in, read the green pamphlet
    • Interpreters: Relatives are not allowed to interpret for debtors. Please bring a non-relative over the age of 18.
  3. After you file, do not forget to:
    1. Enroll in a Personal Financial Management Course right after your first Meeting of Creditors.If you do not complete the course and get us the certificate, your bankruptcy case will be closed without a discharge and you must pay the filing fee AGAIN to reopen the case file the certificate.
    2. Please make sure to have them email us a copy of the certificate.
  4. Auto Loans
    • If you intend to keep the vehicle,
      1. Keep making the payment even if you do not get a statement
      2. Complete the reaffirmation forms sent to you by the auto lender. If you do not reaffirm the debt, your vehicle will be repossessed by the auto lender, even if you are current on the loan.
    • Follow up with auto lenders – they will send the forms but call if they do not.
    • Call lender after you send the reaffirmation to make sure they received it.
    • Try to negotiate auto loan directly with lender.
  5. Home Loans
    • If you intend to keep the property, keep making all Mortgage payments even if you do not get a statement
  6. Student Loans
    • Keep making payments or consider filing a complaint regarding hardship
  7. Alimony and child support:
    • We must give the Trustee the name and address of the person you are paying.
    • Keep making payments.
    • If a matter is proceeding in state court, do not ignore it.
  8. Other Important Information
    • If you are operating a business, get proof of insurance to us ASAP so we can forward it to the Trustee.
    • File all tax returns which come due after filing.
      • No need to send to Trustee unless requested.
    • If you get an inquiry about your case from the United States Trustee, it must be answered completely and promptly.
    • If you move, file a Notice with the court.
    • YOUR DISCHARGE: Your discharge will be entered by the court clerk sometime between three months and six months after the meeting of creditors.

We can only do our job if you do yours.  You must provide us with telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, a mailing address and other contact information and keep that information current.  You must be available to talk with us on a regular basis.   If you plan to be out of touch, you must let us know in advance.   If we ask you for some information or copies of documents, you must provide us with the information or the documents within a reasonable period of time.  If you do not have the information or documents, you need to let us know this as soon as possible.



Updated on: 2011-04-29 16:31:36